I have a Generac 20Kw whole house generator. It has run very well since installed (18 months ago), including stretches of several days after power went off and with A/C running. But last week, the generator has not been able to start the central AC. It 's a 5ton Lenox 18 SEER unit (2 years old, model SL18xc1-060).
Electricians have checked both and everything is working as per specs... but the AC unit has an LRA rating of 152 amps; meaning that although it runs at 32amps or so (RLA?), the rush draw can be as high as 152. The HVAC technician came over and measured the loads, and indeed, on startup it's asking for 152amps, which is OK when PECO is on, but too much for the generator. I don't know why it was working before but it's not working now... wish I had measured the rush load when it was working.
Anyway, looking for solutions I came upon this:
https://www.microair.net/products/ea...230v-ac-motors
In theory, it seems to be the answer to my problem... but wondering if anyone here has any experience with a similar situation and with this soft starters (or any other suggestions).
Thanks!